Self-supervised model-informed deep learning for low-SNR SS-OCT domain transformation

This article introduces a novel deep-learning based framework, Super-resolution/Denoising network (SDNet), for simultaneous denoising and super-resolution of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images. The novelty of this work lies in the hybrid integration of data-driven deep-learning with a model-informed noise representation, specifically designed to address the very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and low-resolution challenges in SS-OCT imaging. SDNet introduces a two-step training process, leveraging noise-free OCT references to simulate low-SNR conditions. In the first step, the network learns to enhance noisy images by combining denoising and super-resolution within noise-corrupted reference domain. To refine its performance, the second step incorporates Principle Component Analysis (PCA) as self-supervised denoising strategy, eliminating the need for ground-truth noisy image data. This unique approach enhances SDNet's adaptability and clinical relevance. A key advantage of SDNet is its ability to balance contrast-texture by adjusting the weights of the two training steps, offering clinicians flexibility for specific diagnostic needs. Experimental results across diverse datasets demonstrate that SDNet surpasses traditional model-based and data-driven methods in computational efficiency, noise reduction, and structural fidelity. The framework excels in improving both image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, SDNet shows promising adaptability for analyzing low-resolution, low-SNR OCT images, such as those from patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). This study establishes SDNet as a robust, efficient, and clinically adaptable solution for OCT image enhancement addressing critical limitations in contemporary imaging workflows.